The BLK + GRN Show
In this episode, Kristian welcomes Barella Roberson as her guest. Barella dives into her business ventures and shares her insights on why "sex is a taboo topic in the Black community." The conversation delves into profound subjects such as "The art of letting go" and "Overcoming societal expectations." Tune in for an enlightening discussion that challenges norms and empowers listeners. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FO4MUPK2K6A?si=Zttn3ffRi-TWff5s" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write;...
info_outline Episode 50 - Dealing with Disappointments and Living holistically as a as a Black Woman | Khetnu NeferThe BLK + GRN Show
In this episode, Kristian is joined by massage therapist Khetnu Nefer to delve into the vibrant Gullah Geechee culture and the profound impact of compound living on family unity. They discuss how modern capitalism has shifted our focus away from our families and communities, creating a sense of distance and disconnect. The conversation then transitions to navigating disappointment and managing expectations. Khetnu shares wisdom on how to handle these challenges while emphasizing the importance of self-care and the bravery required to seek support. Kristian underscores that abundant resources...
info_outline Episode 49 - Starting a wine business with husband, Self-awareness & communication | Jon'll BoydThe BLK + GRN Show
In this episode, Jon’ll Boyd takes us on a transformative journey, sharing how she and her husband turned their late-night pillow talks into a thriving wine business. Discover the passion and perseverance behind their entrepreneurial success, as Jon’ll reveals the challenges they faced and the strategies that propelled them forward. Jon’ll and Kristian dive into the crucial role of communication in their partnership, offering invaluable hacks for balancing work and personal life. They explore how effective communication not only fosters business success but also supports mental...
info_outline Episode 48 - Growing a webby nominated AI company, Self-Love as a Black woman | Casey Ariel ThobiasThe BLK + GRN Show
In today's episode, Casey Ariel reveals her inspiring journey of creating the Webby-nominated AI company, overcoming roadblocks, and navigating the challenges of a saturated market as a Black woman entrepreneur. Discover how self-care and self-gentleness empowered her and co-host Kristian to scale their businesses without burning out, emphasizing the transformative power of prioritizing self-care.
info_outline Episode 47 - Naked Chemistry - Rachel ZeiglerThe BLK + GRN Show
Rachel Zeigler’s journey is a testament to walking in one's purpose, where the resounding echoes of her heart's desires drown out doubt and settling becomes a distant notion. As the visionary founder of Naked Chemistry, Rachel transforms challenges, from navigating microaggressions in the corporate world as a Black woman to pivoting her career as a licensed cosmetologist during the pandemic. Beyond its initial focus, her vegan skincare brand, born out of a keen concern for ingrown hairs, has blossomed into a testament to Rachel's dedication to quality, sustainability, and multifunctionality....
info_outline Episode 46 - Malkia - Linda JohnsonThe BLK + GRN Show
Linda embarks on a deeply resonant journey, one that mirrors the intricate tapestry of our own lives. Linda, the visionary founder of Malkia, exudes an unwavering commitment to natural skincare, bringing forth a remarkable vision where every individual, especially Black people, can experience the beauty of healthy, glowing skin naturally. Her mission extends beyond products; it's about fostering a genuine connection to the community, leading to the powerful potential of giving back. Linda's story is a beacon of authenticity, reminding us that we can instigate profound change when we choose to...
info_outline Episode 45 - Vitavate- Lori and LorynThe BLK + GRN Show
Step into the realm of inspiration with Lori and Lauren, the unstoppable mother-daughter team driving the vision of Vitavate dietary supplements. Their journey is a testament to the extraordinary, where backgrounds in food science and procurement merge to craft a product that transcends the ordinary - a vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free marvel that bestows sustained energy without the dreaded crash. Their passion for empowering women to "fill their cup first" and their affiliation with the game-changing platform, Black and Green, beckons listeners to a community of thriving black artisans and...
info_outline Episode 44 - Luv & Co. - Dr. Melodie Davis BundrageThe BLK + GRN Show
Dr. Melodie Davis Bundrage, the visionary founder of LUV + CO, delves into the transformative world of clean beauty and entrepreneurship. Driven by a profound mission to inspire confidence and unity among Black women, Dr. Melodie identified a glaring need for accessible, high-quality organic products in underrepresented communities. Dr. Melodies’ unwavering commitment to empowering Black women ignited a journey that led her to establish her flagship store in the heart of a thriving, melanated suburbia. Furthermore, her personal story as a SCAD heart attack survivor underscores the...
info_outline Episode 43 - Nuele - Christine Martey-OcholaThe BLK + GRN Show
Christine Martey-Ochola, founder of NUELE, shares her remarkable journey of creating a beauty brand that embodies the perfect blend of effectiveness and health-consciousness. After reflecting on childhood memories of witnessing chemical treatments and feeling the societal pressure to conform to a specific beauty standard as a Black woman, Christine and her co-founder Anne Cheatham, drawing on their backgrounds in biochemistry, research, medicine, and food science, spent four years developing their flagship product, NUELE hair serum. Their unwavering dedication to patience, relentless research,...
info_outline Episode 42 - Mela Vitamins - Ashley HarmonThe BLK + GRN Show
Ashley Harmon, the visionary founder behind Mela Vitamins, takes us on her personal wellness journey through the realm of wellness. Her college years were marked by a challenging battle against PCOS and a deficiency in vitamin D, setting her on a determined path to develop supplements tailored specifically for Black women. Mela Vitamins stands apart with its holistic approach, forged through extensive research and enriched by insights from consumer focus groups and healthcare experts to address specific needs. With an eye on the future, Mela Vitamins aims to be the go-to wellness brand for...
info_outlineShani Lincoln's motivation behind her haircare and skincare business, Loveleaf, stems from her passion for discovering the healing effects of using nature's most beneficial and nourishing ingredients. After spending a lot of time perfecting her formulations for her family and friends and seeing results, she was ready to share her creation.
As she continues to navigate the barriers of maintaining a business, showing up for herself and practicing wellness is reflected in each product she offers and paves the way for others to do the same. Loveleaf has blossomed into the cultivation of botanical-forward products that offer healing and self-acceptance.
Quote from interviewee for call-out box:
“I want to make sure, no matter what the product is, that self-care is the key message behind them.”
Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:
- Loveleaf’s products are free of any synthetic man-made materials and use natural ingredients to address different health issues.
- Natural ingredients such as arnica help to reduce swelling and discoloration caused by bruising, while Calendula helps heal common skin irritations.
- By practicing gratitude, we can strengthen our relationships, improve our health, amplify our positive feelings, celebrate the present, and deal with adversity.
Check Out These Highlights:
- What natural herbs people should know more about (4:47)
- Information on the calming butter sold on BLK + GRN (11:01)
- Shani shares some powerful words for anyone on their self-care journey (20:55)
Quotes:
- “Loveleaf really spoke to my love of nature and plants and the fact that all my ingredients are natural plant-based materials”
- “My key message is I want folks to understand that they are a priority in their own lives”
- “I want everyone to be moisturized all day with my skin and products of course, but I also want to address skin concerns and use herbs that really support healthy hair and healthy skin.”